KALAMAZOO — Chase Balisy said the confidence of the Western Michigan University hockey team is beginning to show in all phases
of the game.

After killing just 78.8 percent of its penalties last season and struggling at some key moments, No. 12-ranked Western Michigan
University appeared to be at a disadvantage heading into its series with No. 11 Union College.

The Dutchmen finished last season with the top power play unit in the country at 29.5 percent and returned almost all special
teams players.

The Broncos made a strong early-season statement by killing eight of 10 penalties, including all four on Friday, in their
two ties (2-2, 3-3 respectively) with Union.

”It’s the same (philosophy as last year),” Balisy said. “I just think the guys are understanding a little better and doing
a better job. I think, after a year you just get more experience and get better at it and trust it a little more and it’s
paying off.”

Luke Witkowski was whistled for hooking 1:30 into overtime Friday, giving the Dutchmen a man advantage for nearly the remainder
of the five-minute overtime period.

Shane Berschbach on Saturday went to the box for elbowing, putting Union on the power play with 5:32 remaining in regulation
of a tied game.

The Broncos killed both penalties.

”I think we’re a little better than we were last year, but we still need to improve,” Balisy said. “Going forward, I think
we can still get even better for sure.”

WMU coach Andy Murray said the team left Schenectady, N.Y. feeling good about the progress of its special teams units.

”I think, again we’d like to avoid a couple penalties because that’s your best penalty kill,” Murray said. “I think we were
assertive and our penalty kill clears were decisive. When we had a chance to get it done, we got it done.”

Western Michigan’s power play scored a pair of critical goals on Saturday, but Balisy said he believes it needs to get better.

”We’re getting goals when we need them, but I think we can still be better,” he said. “I think, honestly we just have to win
more puck battles. We have to get the puck and set it up and move it around. We can’t stand still. I think we’re standing
still a little too much and it’s easy for them to defend.”

WMU was 2-for-8 (25 percent) on power plays in the Union series, including an 0-for-3 performance Friday.

The Broncos have scored on four of 17 chances (23.5 percent) with the man advantage this season.

Western Michigan’s power play will be put to the test Friday and Saturday against the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, as the
Nanooks have killed 18 of 20 penalties and have scored two short-handed goals.